Yamaha MT-03

The sub-500cc motorcycle segment in India has been buzzing with activity throughout 2023, and Yamaha has joined the action by launching two new models before the year’s end — the YZF-R3 and the MT-03. While the R3 marks a return to the Indian market, the MT-03 makes its debut, hitting showrooms alongside its supersport sibling.

The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 is priced at ₹4.64 lakh, and the MT-03 comes in slightly lower at ₹4.59 lakh (both ex-showroom). These prices may feel steep, largely because both motorcycles are imported into India as CBUs from Thailand.

Mechanically, both bikes share a 321cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, producing 40 bhp and 29.6 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch.

In terms of design and purpose, the YZF-R3 is a fully-faired sports tourer, while the MT-03 embraces a naked streetfighter look with exposed mechanical components. Feature-wise, both get dual-channel ABS, while the R3 comes equipped with full LED lighting and an LCD instrument cluster. The MT-03, in contrast, features a projector headlamp and lacks full LED treatment.

However, neither bike offers Bluetooth connectivity, ride modes, traction control, ride-by-wire, or a quick shifter, which are common in similarly priced rivals — making them performance-focused but relatively minimal on electronics.